Today the Government clamped down on the peaceful protest of Baba Ramdev against Black Money.
To the best of my understanding, Baba Ramdev's main demands are as follows:
(1). Declare all the Black money (including the one stashed abroad) as national property
(2). Stringent punishment for the corrupt (death penalty)
(3). Fast track cases against corruption (verdict to be given in a year)
In my humble opinion, the demand of death penalty may be little extreme. However, all his other demands are quite justified. Infact I wonder why does it take a Baba Ramdev or an Anna Hazare to remind the government of the rampant corruption in the country! Why can't the government take counter measures on its own?
It's a shame to see Shibu Soren become the chief minister of Jharkhand (with the support of the Congress Party) even after being convicted by a court for murder, Laloo Yadav enjoying the luxuries of his home even after decades of fodder scam coming to light, Raju walking out of Jail at the pretext of medical reasons etc. I won't be surprised if tomorrow Kalmadi, Raja and Kani mozhi also walk out of Tihar with a smile on their face!
How can the prime minister who lost his sleep over Mohammed Haneef continue to sleep over the issue of corruption? How can Sonia Gandhi who comes up with some farce 5 point agenda of fighting corruption not think of something concrete?
Some people allege that Baba Ramdev's campaign was supported by BJP and RSS. They may be true, but so what? Aren't the cadres of RSS and BJP Indians too? Don't they have the right to fight against corruption? The issue of corruption is larger than the name of the individual fighting against it. So no matter who is fighting against corruption, India must support that person.
As far as today's action of the government is concerned, it is extremely shameful. When the Maoists talk with guns, then the government says that they must shun violence. And when poor Indians protest peacefully, then they are greeted with batons and tear gas shells.
With deep pain, I am reminded of the scene from Rang de Basanti in which the corrupt government clamped down on the peaceful candle light demonstration at India Gate:
May god be with the innocent men, women and children, who were forcibly separated from their family members, and were left on the unsafe roads of Dehi at the mercy of the vultures of the night. And may god be with the innocent men & women who got injured in the cowardice act of the government. Perhaps the government feels that its a crime to dream of a prosperous India which is free of corruption.
